Power Outage Checklist — Before, During & After

Before: Prepare Now

Flashlights with fresh batteries in every room

Headlamp accessible

Extra batteries (AA, AAA) stored with kit

Portable power bank charged and ready

Battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio

Shelf-stable food for 3–7 days

Water stored (minimum 1 gallon/person/day)

Manual can opener

Battery-powered CO detector tested and operational

Generator safety plan (outdoor only, 20+ feet from doors)

Know your utility company outage reporting number

Solar charger for extended outagesOptional

Portable power station for medical equipmentOptional

Turn on flashlight

Locate all household members

Check if neighbors have power (determines scope)

Report outage to utility company

Unplug major appliances and electronics (leave one lamp plugged in)

Minimize refrigerator and freezer door openings

Set refrigerator to coldest setting if pre-warned

Monitor home temperature, especially in extreme weather

Switch to weather radio for emergency information

Charge phone while power bank still has charge

Refrigerator: safe for 4 hours if door stays closed

Full freezer: safe for 48 hours if unopened

Half-full freezer: safe for 24 hours if unopened

When in doubt, throw it out

Never taste food to determine safety

Know location of nearest warming/cooling center

Have sleeping bags or extra blankets ready for cold

Never use oven, grill, or generator indoors for heat

Check on elderly neighbors and family members

Know signs of hypothermia and heat stroke

Wait 10–15 minutes before plugging major appliances back in

Check refrigerator and freezer using food safety guidelines

Recharge power bank and all battery devices

Replace any used batteries or supplies

Note gaps in your preparation to address